TGI Fridays Coupon - 20% Off Your Total Purchase

Click here to print a coupon for 20% off your total purchase.  Expires 1/27/11.

Still Available - FREE Yoplait Yogurt

I posted this over a month ago and it is still available.

Yoplait yogurt is giving away 1 million free yogurts.  To request your coupon for a free yogurt, click here.

FREE Maggi Soup Sample

Click here to request your FREE sample of soup.

FREE Sample of Covergirl Naturelux Foundation

Click here to request your FREE sample from Wal-Mart.

Thought of the Day

Happy National Buttercrunch Day!!  Great excuse to have a sweet snack.

My Walgreens Trip - 1/16/11

I had 4 - $1.50 RR expiring on Sunday so I had to spend them.  For some reason, my local Walgreens has now decided that you have to have the same number of items as coupons.  Example - I originally had 2 Pantenes, 1 ThermaCare and 3 Kraft Macaronis (6 items) and I had 1 coupon for the Pantene, 1 for the ThermaCare, and 1 WG coupon for the macaroni and 1 Mfr coupon for each macaroni plus my 4 RR (10 coupons).  So they told me I had to purchase 2 more items.  So I got a .49 bag of candy and my dh's favorite deodorant.  So that is 8 items to 10 coupons??  Doesn't not make sense and does not match what they told me.  It was a huge mess and I'm not sure how often I will be going to Walgreens now.  Here is my totals

2 Pantenes - 2/$7, Used $3/2 coupon = $4, Received $2 RR
1 Therma Care - $2.50, Used $1 printable coupon = $1.50, Received $2.50 in RR
1 Walgreens Orange Slices - .49
1 Old Spice Deodorant - 2.99
3 Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese 3/$5, Used (3) $1 mfr. coupon and $1/2 WG printable coupon = $1 for 3

Total - 11.86
Used (4) $1.50 RR
Total OOP - 5.86
Received $4.50 in RR for my next shopping trip

I am not sure if this is a new policy or a policy they have just now started enforcing or something that she made up.  It didn't make any sensel.  The cashier was not friendly, sorta pushy, and I didn't ask any questions.

FREE Sample of Beneful Incredibites Dog Food

Click here to request your FREE sample of Beneful Incredibites dog food from Walmart.

FREE John Frieda Sample

Click here to request your FREE sample from John Frieda.  There are several samples to choose from.

FREE Betty Crocker Digital Cookbook

Click here to download your FREE Betty Crocker digital cookbook.

Country Crock Coupon

Click here to print your .40 coupon.  Remember to hit your back button and you can print it twice.

My Rite Aid Shopping Trips

Between dh and I we did 5 transactions at Rite-Aid on Sunday.  From what I hear, they are no longer honoring this deal.  My local store has a limit of 1 per person. So, I am glad that we went Sunday. 

5 Transactions:  Total of 40 4-Packs of Bathroom Tissue

8 - Simplifty Bathroom Tissue - 1.00 = $8.00

Total - 8.64 for each transaction

Paid with $8 UP+ Rewards on each transaction

Total OOP - $3.20 (tax)

I still have $8 in UP+ Rewards for my next shopping trip.



Thought of the Day

Happy National Popcorn Day!

Cash4Books.net - Earn $5 Extra if you Sell 3 Books This Month

As always I am looking for ways to earn a little extra money and Cash4Books is a great way.  Not only are you earning a little extra money but you are also clearing out clutter (or that is true in my case).  Just now I earn $11 in selling 3 books that I will never use/read again. 

Their website is very simple to use and even the shipping is free.  If you sell 3 or more books to them by the end of the month you can earn an extra $5.  Click here to sign up and earn money today.  Also, click here and print out this page to include in your package to earn the extra $5. 

Disclaimer:  This post may contain an affiliate link.

FREE Lacoste Fragrance Sample

Click here to request your FREE sample.

CVS Advisory Board - $5 ECB for Survey Today

If you are a member of the CVS Advisory panel, check your email.  I just received an email for a survey and I earned a $5 ECB. 

If you are not a member, you can register here. 

Thought of the Day

You can test your inner strength when .... If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when through no fault of yours something goes wrong.

FREE Sample of Crest Advanced Seal Whitestrips

Click here to request your FREE sample of Crest Advanced Seal Whitestrips from Walmart.

Possible FREE Eggbeaters Coupon

Click here and then click on the egg to sign up for a possible FREE Eggbeaters coupon from Walmart..  It doesn't say for sure if it is for a FREE product or it may be a B1G1 FREE coupon.  Hurry, I'm sure these won't last long.

Thought of the Day

I am enjoying the sunshine today.  If not only it was 85 degrees to go with it.

My Trip to Rite-Aid

Purchased: 

4 - Special K Cereals - On Sale B1G1F, Used (2) B1G1F coupons = FREE

2 - M&M's - B1G1 Free = 1.59, Used $1 off 2 printable coupon = .59

1 - Hormel Compleats - 1.99, Used .75 printable coupon, Used .50 RA coupon = .74

4 - Hunts Tomatos - 1.25 each = 5.00

1 - Barilla Pasta - 1.25 each

Subtotal - 7.58

Used $2 UP+ Rewards

Total OOP incl tax - $6.07

Received $8 in UP+ Rewards

I was expecting to receive $6.  Not sure why I got the extra $2 but I am NOT complaining!

Another Trip to Lowes Foods

Purchased: 

5 - Softsoaps - 1.00 each, Used (5) .35 coupons double = .30 each = 1.50

1 - Renuzit 1.15, Used FREE Product Coupon = FREE

1 - Perdue Gilled Short Cuts - 3.69, Used .75 coupon doubled = 2.19, Submit for Rebate - Coupon in this weeks inserts and I will make .75 since my coupon doubled

Total OOP incl. tax - 3.99

My Trip to Walgreens

Purchased:

2 - Stayfree Products - 6.49 each = 12.98
Used B1G1 Free Coupon ($6.49)
Used $3 ad coupon - ($6)

Subtotal - .49
Total OOP incl tax - $1.05

There is a $1 printable coupon that I planned on using but for some reason it would not print for me.

My CVS Shopping Trip for My Favorite Deals

I was sooo excited to see the CVS sales ad this week.  There were so many things that I needed that were on sale and included an ECB deal.  Here is what I purchased:

Transaction # 1
3 Airwick Freshmatic Kits - 6.00 each, Used (3) $4/ coupons = $6
1 Finish Gelpac - $3, Used 2.25 coupon = .75
Spent $20 above, Earned $10 ECB
1 Snickers Bar, .89, Earned .89 ECB = FREE
1 Reese Peanut Butter Cup Minis - $1.59, Earned 1.59 ECB = FREE
1 Snickers Bar - .89 (Needed a Filler)

Subtotal - 10.12
Used $10 ECB from last week
Total OOP incl. tax - 1.95

Received $12.58 in ECBs

Transaction #2
6 - Pepsi 12 packs - $20.00
1 - Dove Chocolate Bar - .89, .50 CVS coupon = .39

Subtotal - $20.39
Used $12.58 in ECBS
Total OOP incl tax - $9.58

Received $10 in ECBs

Transaction #3
1 - Scott Extra Tissue - $10, Used $1 printable coupon = $9
1 - Scott Paper Towels - $10, Used $1 printable coupon = $9

Subtotal - $18.00
Used $10 ECB
Total OOP incl tax - $ 9.44

Received $10 in ECBs

So for $20.97 OOP I got (6) 12 packs of Pepsi, (1) Scott Tissue - 24 rolls, (1) Scott Paper Towels 10 Mega Rolls, 3 candy bars, 3 Airwick Freshmatic Kits, and 1 Finish Gelpac.  Pepsi products are something we consume everyday, I was looking for a great deal on tissue and paper towels to stock up on and I basically got the Airwick and Finish products for almost FREE.  I loved being able to roll my ECBs like that, the cashier was very impressed.  I started out with $10 in ECBs and ended up with $10 in ECBs for next week.

FREE Handwashing Timer

Click here to request your FREE handwashing timer.  This will come in very handy in teaching Payton how long she should wash her hands.

Thought of the Day

Sometimes it is best to just keep your opinion to yourself.

$25 RESTAURANT.COM GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR $2

Click here to order your $25 Gift Certificate for $2. Use Coupon Code MEAL at checkout.
Offer expires 1/31/11.

Also, go through ebates and you can earn 15% cash back.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

The 3 winners for the FREE Purex Complete Crystals Softener Product Coupons are:

Here are your random numbers:

13 - Bhiya

9 - Sarah 

4 - Cheryl F. 

Timestamp: 2011-01-12 18:49:54 UTC

Each winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Thanks to everyone for entering.

Rebate = FREE Wheatables

Snackpicks.com is offering a rebate for purchasing a 8.5 oz. box of Wheatables Toasted Honey Wheat or Original Golden Wheat. Expires March 30, 2011.  Click here to print your rebate form.

FREE Sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat and $1 Coupon

Click here to request your FREE sample of Cinnabon Cream of Wheat and to print a $1 coupon. 

Thanks Money Saving Mom!

FREE ThermaCare Sample on Facebook

"Like" ThermaCare on Facebook and request a FREE sample.

Thought of the Day

I am SO ready for spring!!

My Saturday Grocery Shopping

I spent the afternoon grocery shopping.  There were lots of great deals this week and I have stockpiled several items.  It does seem like I spent alot but remember I am stockpiling and not cherry picking.  How do you think I did?

1st Stop - Lowes Foods
5 - Old Orchard Apple Juice - $2.85 each, Buy 2 Get 3 FREE, Used (2) .50 coupons (doubled) =  .74 each = $3.70
3 - Trident Gums - $1 each, Earned $2 Fresh Rewards = $3.00
4 - Pillsbury Toaster Strudels - $2.00 each, Used (2) .50/2 coupons (doubled) = 1.50 each = 6.00
1 - Pop Tart - 1.69
1 - Renuzit Adjustable 1.19, Used FREE Item Coupon = FREE
4 - Kraft Cheese Blocks - 9oz. - $1.65 each = 6.60
2 - Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - 2.29, Used .50/2 coupon (doubled)  = 3.58
12 - Yoplait Yogurts - .39 each, Used (2) .40/6 coupons (doubled) = .26 each = 3.12

Total OOP including tax - $27.38

2nd Stop - Food Lion

10 - Gerber Baby Food 2 Packs - 1.00 each = 10.00
5 - Bestlife Butter - 1.00 each, Used (5) 1.00 coupons = FREE
5 - Marcel One Step Bathroom Tissue - 1.49 each, Used (5) 1.00 coupons = .49 each = 2.45
6 - Candy Bars - B1G1 Free, Used (3) B1G1 Free Coupons = FREE
1 - Gerber Baby Cereal - 2.48
6 - Tyson Fajita Strips - 2.50 each, Used (6) 1.00 coupons - 1.50 each = 9.00
8 - Ronzoni Pastas - 1.00 each, Used (4) 1.00/2 coupons - .50 each = 4.00

Total OOP including tax - 31.43

3rd Stop - Save-a-Lot

1- Dog Food - 4.99
1- Sour Cream - 1.19
1 - Ice Cream - 2.49
1 - Tortillas - 1.39
3 - Snack Pies - 1.02
1 - Kitchen Bags - 2.49
4  - Fruit Pies - 2.76
1 - Pizza Dough - 1.99
2 - Pasta Sauces - 1.19
1 - Green Pepper - .50
1 - Onion - .70
1 - Lettuce - 1.29
2 - Salad Mixes - .99 each = 1.98
4 Packs (11 lbs.) - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts - On Sale 1.49/lb. = 16.26

Total OOP including tax - $42.71

Total Spent Today - $101.52


I was most excited over the chicken breasts.  We were down to our last pack and that is a great price.  We are well stocked on meat now.  I already had steaks, pork chops, hamburger, honey baked ham, tenderloin, 1 pack of bacon, 1 pack of sausage and a couple packs of deer meat in the freezer. 

I am so glad I check my receipts when I shop.  I usually review them right outside the door if its warm or in the car if its cold.  As I was doing my normal scan today, I noticed that the cashier charged me for 2 bags of dog food.  So I immediately went back in and she refunded me $5.39.  I know it was a mistake but I am so glad that I caught it. 

Several of the items bought today at Save-a-Lot were things that I needed.  I know the prices are not rock bottom but they are cheaper than other stores here.  I have made of list of items that I need to stockpile.  Hopefully, I will find great deals on them in the near future.

FREE Reach Dental Floss

Click here to print your coupon for $1 off any Reach Dental Floss.  You can find these at Walmart or Dollar General (maybe other stores) for $1 or less and that will make them FREE.

Rite Aid - 75% Off Clearance Items for Gift Closet

While I was out yesterday taking Payton to the dentist and dance, I ran by Rite-Aid to check out their 75% off Christmas clearance.  I have been waiting for them to mark down these items.  I really wanted to add a few to my gift closet. I love any kind of gifts that have to do with pictures.

This is what I purchased:

2 - Photo Coasters - Reg. 5.99, Marked Down to 1.49
2 - Revolving Photo Cubes - Reg. 5.99, Marked Down to 1.49
1 - Photo Snowglobe - Reg. 3.99, Marked Down to .99
1 - Photo Travel Tumbler -Reg. 3.99, Marked Down to .99

Total OOP - 8.58
Savings - 34.50 

Thought of the Day

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what others say you cannot do.

TGI Friday's - $5 off $15 Purchase

Click here to print your coupon for $5 off $15 purchase.  Expires 1/13/11.

2 FREE Issues of Family Circle Magazine

Click here to request your 2 FREE issues of Family Circle magazine.

FREE Sample of Post-It Durable Tabs

Click here to request your FREE Sample of Post-It Durable Tabs and print up to $4 in coupons.

My Shopping Trips Yesterday - Including my Favorite Deals at Rite Aid

As posted earlier, one of my goals this year was to take a little "me" time and to do some of my shopping each week with no kids.  Last night, I took advantage of my "me" time and went shopping.  It was a nice break and enjoyed getting the great deals.

Rite-Aid:
1 Glass Christmas Ornaments - Clearance .99
2 Wet Ones - 1.99
Used (2) 1.00 coupons and received $2 +UP Rewards = FREE
1 Wheat Thins - 1.00
Use 1.00 coupon = FREE

Total OOP - 3.30
Received 2.00 + UPS Rewards for my next shopping trip

Dollar General:
2 - Olay Body Washes - $2.00
Used (2) $2 coupons = FREE
1 - Huggies Wipes - $2.50
Used .75 coupon = 1.75
Renuzit Air Freshner - $1.00
Used (1) FREE Product Coupon = FREE

Total OOP - $2.35


Walgreens:
1 - Enfamil Baby Formula - Reg. 25.49 on sale for 19.99
Used 2.00 mfr coupon
1 - Similac Adv Formula - Reg. 22.99 - On Sale for 19.99
Used Mfr Coupon for FREE formula that I received in the mail, cashier entered 22.99 for coupon so I received an additional $3 savings
Used 1.50 Register Rewards

Total OOP - 14.29
Saved - $34.99

Formula is something I usually have to buy each week and it is expensive.  I was so excited to get 2 for $14.29!!

(Formula not shown in picture.)

I may try to head back to Rite Aid today after I take Payton to her 1st dentist appointment.  They had all of their Christmas items clearanced down to 75% and I have been waiting for them to clearance some Christmas gift items.  There is a few things that I would like to purchase for my gift closet.  

Thought of the Day

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.

Wendell Johnson

And the Winner Is ..........

The winner of the Chex Mix Prize Pack is:

Here are your random numbers:

19 - Baby Mama

Timestamp: 2011-01-03 22:26:55 UTC

Baby Mama has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  Thanks to everyone for entering.

My Shopping Trip for my Favorite Deals at Walgreens, CVS and Staples

We got asked out to a FREE dinner last night by a good friend.  It was a Christmas/Birthday/Lottery Winning celebration.  He took us to Arigatos Japanese Steakhouse (my favorite).  Dinner was great so while we were out we did some shopping on the way at CVS, Walgreens and Staples.

Here is my favorite deals for the week:

CVS

5 - Wisk at $5.00 each

1 - Xtra Laundry Detergent - $1.99

5 - Pepsi 2 Liters at .88

Used (5) $2 Wisk coupons

Used (1) $1 Xtra coupon

Used $1 ECB

Total OOP - $21.75

Receive $10 ECB

With ECB and coupons laundry detergent was only $1 per bottle.  I am now stocked up for a while.

Staples
2 Scotch Pop Up Tapes - $1 each
Used $1/2 coupon
Total OOP - $1.08

I don't really need tape but the pop up tape is great for when Payton wants to help me wrap gifts.  So I stocked up for Christmas.


Walgreens

Transaction #1
1 Finish Gelpacs - $3.49
Used 2.25 coupon
Total OOP - $1.51
Received - $1.50 Register Reward

Transaction #2
1 Finish Gelpacs - $3.49
Used 2.25 coupon
Total OOP - $1.51
Received - $1.50 Register Reward

Transaction # 3
1 Finish Gelpacs - $3.49
Used 2.25 coupon
2 Christmas Gift Tags - .49 each
Total OOP - $2.58
Received - $1.50 Register Reward

Transaction #4
1 Coke 12 pack - $3.34
1 Finish Gelpac - $3.49
1 Deodorant for DH - $2.99
Used FREE Coke 12 pack coupon
Used $2.25 Finish coupon
Total OOP - $4.99
Received $1.50 in Register Rewards

Transaction #5
1 Finish Gelpac - $3.49
3 Papermate Mechanical Pencils - .19 each
2 Finesse Shampoos - $1.99 each
1 Huggies Diapers - $6.99
Used 2.25 Finish Coupon
Used (2) $1 Finesse Coupons
Used $2 Register Reward
Used $10 Walgreens Gift Card
Total OOP - $2.99

Received $1.50 Register Reward

My total OOP for the day was $36.91.  I have a $10 ECB and $7.50 in Register Rewards.  I am stocked up on laundry detergent for some time.  I already had 2 new bags of Cascade gelpacs and with the 5 Finish I have enough for a long time.  The pop up tape was bought mainly for Payton to help wrap gifts next Christmas but it was still an excellent price. The gift tags are something that I will need next Christmas since I am out and they were 50% off.  The diapers were at a great price even though I didn't have a Huggies coupon I still got them and you can never have too many.  You can never have too much shampoo and I will also send off for a rebate so they will equal out to be FREE.  I just mentioned last week that we need some new pencils and .19 was too good of a price to turn down.  My husband informed me that he was out of deodorant so I had to buy 1 until I can find a great deal.  The Walgreens gift card was a stocking stuffer from my mom and it came in very handy yesterday.  I was very pleased with my shopping yesterday and with the cashier at Walgreens who didn't say a word when I asked if I could do 5 transactions.  He was a young guy and seemed to not mind.   I have to run to Rite Aid tomorrow to pick up a prescription so I have a few things to pick up there. 

My Goals for 2011

After reviewing our finances, my life and having a discussion with my husband.  Here is a few goals that I have set for myself that I feel like I CAN achieve in 2011.  Putting them on paper and sharing them with you  motivates me even more to do whatever I need to reach my goals.  Wish me luck!

Goals for 2011:

- Finish paying off our debt!!!

- Work even harder at saving money.

Remember, I am now a stay at home mom now so this has become a little harder but I WILL get it done.

 - Plan my shopping trips each week with the sales and coupons I have.

- Make a menu plan each week with food that we have so I will be prepared and organized if I need to pick up something up.

- Set aside time each to shop without the kids.  I find it so much easier to shop and look for deals when I do not have the kids with me.  This has been on of the reasons that I haven't been "couponing" as much.  I will set aside at least 1 evening/afternoon to shop alone.

- Purchase a laptop computer.  This is one of my personal goals.  I currently have a PC upstairs but I think it would be more convenient to have a laptop that I can use anywhere.  This way I don't have to "plan" a time to go upstairs and get on the computer.  My plan is to save "my" money and purchase a laptop without using any money in our budget and without using any of our savings.  I did receive some money for Christmas so right now I am starting out with $75.   I am also looking for ways to earn a little extra money for this purchase. 

- Set aside time for just ME each week.  Being a mom is one the greatest gifts in life but everyone needs a break and little me time.  I find this time to be rejuvenating and as the saying goes, if moma ain't happy no one is happy.  :)

-
Since the beginning of the year, I have already starting working towards my goals.  Since, I have discussed these with my dh I think it will make it alot easier to accomplish since he is onboard and also wants me to accomplish my goals and save money.  I also joined the Money Saving Challenge at Frugal makes Cents.  Reading this blog daily keeps motivated on finding ways to save money.

Thought of the Day

Beginning of the year, is a perfect time to set goals that you want to achieve.

Ways I Saved/Earned Money This Week

What a week it has been!!  First of all, let me say Happy New Year to everyone.  I hope our year is filled with lots of fantastic coupons and great deals.  This past week has been a doozy.  I got sick the day after Christmas and dh got called in to work due to the weather so Sunday and Monday was miserable.  I was sick and snowed in with 2 kids.  Not sure how I made it through Sunday but thankfully I am feeling better after lots of rest and medicine.  Wednesday and Thursday was spent getting my house back in order from Christmas, my kids got way too much.  I also took down all of my decorations and got everything packed away for next year.  Friday, moma needed a break so we called the grandmas to take care a child each and we spent the day returning some gifts (Bryson got 3 of 1 toy and 2 of 2 more toys for Christmas) and exchanging a couple of things and then we treated ourselves to The Olive Garden for an early dinner. I received a gift card for Christmas and I also had a coupon.  Throughout the week I did find several ways to save money. 


Here is a list of things I did to save/earn money in the past week:

- I read all of my Inbox Dollars emails daily to add money to my account.

 

- I read all of my MyPoints emails daily to add points to receive FREE gift cards.

- Didn't do any grocery shopping this week except for bread, milk, formula and diapers.  Only spent $20 OOP.

- Had leftovers for lunch 4 days this week. No food wasted and money saved by not cooking something else.

- Continued trying to teach my 4 year old the importance of not leaving lights on or not using lights during the day when they are not needed. (Not sure if we will ever get there!)

 

- Cleaned out my coupon binder and filed new coupons for future shopping trips.

- Spent lots of time at home sick and snowed in.  No gas money spent.

- Turned my heat off on Friday we are having a warm spell.

 

- Watched 1movie for FREE saved on my DVR, thanks to Starz free weekend on Directv a couple of months ago. 

 

- Made all meals out of stockpile.  No money spent on eating out except for Friday.

 

- Received a $3 deposit in paypal for a survey payment.

- My mom had a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas and she sent home lots of leftovers.  I saved some for sandwiches and then put the rest in the freezer.  Enough for a couple of meals.

 

- Recycled 16 Christmas bags that we received with gifts.

 

- Recycled 8 boxes.  5 of them can be used for other occasions and will only need a ribbon. 

 

- Took an inventory of my Christmas supplies.  I have plenty of wrapping paper, Christmas bags, bows, and tape.  I do need to buy some ribbon and name tags.  I hope to find some 75% off or more.

 

- Had lunch at moms on New Years day and of course she sent leftovers home again for dinner.  She has supplied us with lots of free meals in the past few days.  

 

- Returned several toys and received gift cards for the credit.  I plan on saving these to use as needed on the kids.

 

- Starting a list of my goals for 2011 to save money, earn money and hopefully finish paying off all of our bills.  (Will share this later!) 

 

What did you do to save/earn money this week?